The proposed DeLa Express Pipeline is set to become the longest natural gas pipeline in Texas, spanning 645 miles from Reeves County in West Texas to Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It is being designed to transport natural gas and liquids from the Permian Basin to Gulf Coast markets. For landowners in Central, East, and West Texas, it raises serious concerns about property rights, fair compensation, and the use of eminent domain.
If your property lies along the pipeline’s proposed route, you may already be receiving notices or offers from Moss Lake Partners, the company behind the project, or from other agents working on their behalf. While these communications may seem straightforward, navigating the complexities of land negotiations, survey requests, and potential condemnation proceedings requires careful planning and a clear understanding of your rights.
At Dawson & Sodd, we’re here to help landowners protect their property and ensure they receive the fair treatment and compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve been contacted about an easement, have concerns about the environmental impact, or want to challenge the valuation of your land, early action is critical to safeguarding your interests.
Project Overview
- Pipeline Name: DeLa Express Pipeline
- Route: 645 miles from Reeves County, TX (Permian Basin) to Calcasieu Parish, LA
- Purpose: Transport 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily to Gulf Coast markets.
- Impact: 31 counties, with 13,000+ acres potentially affected.
- Public Comment Period: Closed on September 23, 2024.
- Current Status: The project is in the next phase, where the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will review comments and prepare its environmental analysis.
Pipeline Construction Timeline and Public Participation
The DeLa Express Pipeline project is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which oversees permits for interstate natural gas pipelines. As part of this process, FERC opened a public comment period to gather input from landowners, environmental groups, and other stakeholders about the project’s potential impacts. This phase, known as “scoping,” allowed the public to voice concerns, propose alternative routes, and suggest ways to minimize environmental harm. The public comment period officially ended on September 23, 2024.
Now that the scoping phase has concluded, FERC will evaluate the feedback received and prepare an environmental review. This review may include an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) if the project is deemed to have significant environmental consequences.
For landowners, staying informed during this review process is crucial. If approved, the project will move into its next phase, which includes confirming the final route and issuing permits. At this stage, Moss Lake Partners will begin contacting property owners along the finalized route to negotiate easements or initiate eminent domain proceedings if agreements cannot be reached.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Current Status: Public comments have been submitted, and FERC is conducting an environmental review.
- Next Steps: Landowners along the proposed route may receive survey requests or easement offers as the project advances.
- Your Role: While the public comment period is closed, you can still prepare by documenting property-specific concerns, consulting with an attorney, and staying updated on FERC’s decisions.
Proactive engagement during the early stages of the project can make a significant difference. If you’ve received communication from Moss Lake Partners or have concerns about the pipeline’s potential impact on your property, consulting an experienced eminent domain attorney is a critical step to protecting your rights.
Protecting Your Rights as a Texas Landowner
The construction of the DeLa Express Pipeline will affect thousands of acres across Texas, and many landowners may face the prospect of losing their property through eminent domain. While pipeline companies are authorized to acquire land for public use, they are required by law to provide “just compensation.”
For landowners, this means not only receiving fair market value for the property taken but also compensation for damages to the remaining property or disruptions to your livelihood.
Understanding Eminent Domain
Eminent domain allows private companies, like Moss Lake Partners, to acquire land for projects deemed necessary for the public good. This process, known as condemnation, can be challenging to navigate.
It’s important to know:
- Right to Compensation: You have the right to fair compensation under Texas law, which includes the market value of the land taken and any additional damages.
- Right to Challenge: You can challenge low offers or unfair terms, either through negotiation or in court.
- Right to Legal Representation: Early preparation and skilled legal representation can significantly improve your outcome.
How Dawson & Sodd Can Help
When your property is at risk, having an experienced legal team on your side is essential. At Dawson & Sodd, we focus exclusively on protecting Texas landowners from unfair treatment during eminent domain proceedings. Here’s how we can support you:
1. Negotiating Fair Compensation
Pipeline companies often make initial offers below the true value of your property. Our attorneys work with appraisers, engineers, and other experts to calculate accurate compensation that accounts for:
- The land taken
- Loss of value to the remaining property
2. Raising Property-Specific Concerns
We help ensure that your unique property concerns — such as environmental sensitivities, historical significance, or agricultural disruptions — are addressed in negotiations or legal proceedings.
3. Handling Survey and Access Requests
If the pipeline company requests access to your land for surveys, we can negotiate terms to protect your property and secure reimbursement for any damages.
4. Representing You in Court if Necessary
If negotiations fail, we’ll take your case to court to ensure you receive full compensation or challenge the legality of the taking.
Why Landowners Choose Dawson & Sodd
Dawson & Sodd is proud to be a trusted advocate for Texas landowners. For over a century, we’ve successfully fought for fair compensation and protected property rights in eminent domain cases.
Here’s why we’re the right choice:
- Proven Expertise: Our firm’s sole focus is eminent domain law, giving us unparalleled experience and insight into the process.
- Results That Matter: We’ve secured settlements that far exceed initial offers, such as turning a $44,955 offer into a jury verdict of $873,824 in a Denton County pipeline easement case.
- Personalized Advocacy: We tailor our strategies to the unique needs of each landowner, whether you’re protecting farmland, a business, or residential property.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Property
If you’ve been contacted by Moss Lake Partners about the DeLa Express Pipeline, don’t agree to sell your land before talking to us. Early legal action is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected and your compensation is fair.
Contact Dawson & Sodd today for a free consultation. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way and fight for what’s rightfully yours.